Kwara State to Emerge as Africa's Innovation Hub, Says Commissioner
The Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Tourism in Kwara State, Damilola Adelodun, has expressed confidence in the state's potential to emerge as a global hub for high technology and innovation, akin to Silicon Valley in California, USA.
Adelodun highlighted the state's strategic investments in tech infrastructure and innovation hubs, which he believes will attract world-class companies and position Kwara as a leader in the tech ecosystem.
Silicon Valley, renowned as the headquarters for tech giants such as Apple Inc., HP Inc., eBay, and Netflix, serves as an inspiration for Kwara's vision to transform its economy through technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking about the activities of her ministry, Adelodun said, “In terms of legacy, one of the key projects I have been lucky to head is the Ilorin Innovation Hub. It is more of a large ICT centre, which is arguably the biggest in West Africa. We also have a partnership with IHS Towers, and there is a fund of about N1bn earmarked for the running and for the programmes, training, as well as start-ups and venture capitals that would come here. We have a mandate to at least bring up two unicorns before the end of 2025.”
Reacting to critics who are of the opinion that the state is not a technology hub and should focus on other pressing issues, the young and beautiful government official said, “Interestingly enough, Kwara State has a big tech community. There are a lot of tech businesses started by Kwarans, including Kuda Bank. So, in terms of a tech hub, Kwara is it, and we want it to be the next Silicon Valley. If you think tech, we want you to think Kwara; not Lagos or Abuja. That is the vision for Ilorin Innovation Hub.”
Shedding more light on why the state recently hosted the Best of Nollywood Awards, the commissioner said, “The Sugar Film Factory, where the event was held, is under the purview of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology. People often forget that entertainment and culture have a business element to them. That was why we refurbished the rundown facility, which used to be a sugar factor. The studio is currently equipped for news, podcast and movie productions. We also have a training institute for youths, actors and filmmakers.
“In sponsoring and hosting BON, we looked at the benefit it could bring to the state, especially in terms of showcasing Kwara. I think it was very successful and we are looking forward to have more in the state.
“Many of the actors, filmmakers and creatives who attended the event loved what they saw, and many of them already have plans to do things in the state.”
Cloud Tag: What's trending
Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.
ASUU Amosa Abubakar Imam Dele Momodu Guber Aspirant Kamaldeen Kehinde Doyin Agbamu Dumagi Eleja Taiwo Banu Ilorin Emirate Femi Agbaje S.O. Opowoye Mope Dasuki Belgore Ashiru Erubu Sheu Ndanusa Usman Abdulrazaq Adebayo Innocent Okoye Code Of Conduct Bureau Saliu Ajibola Ajia David Oyerinola Adedunmoye Lanre Badmus Muhammed Mahe Abdulkadir Wahab Femi Agbaje Sobi Abegunde Goke Ahmed Oniwasi Agbaye Ibrahim Mashood Matthew Okedare Government High School (GHS), Adeta Zulkifli Ibraheem Wasiu Odewale Sulu Babaita Isiaka Apata Ajele Secondary School Elesie Of Esie Baba Isale Mutawali Government House Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye Asa LGEA School Bayer AG Omoniyi M. Ayinla Opaleke Bukola Iyabo Aremu Odolaye Agor Bukola Ajikobi Saidu Isa Babaita Ahman Pategi LAK Jimoh Abdulmutalib Shittu Olayinka Oladapo Jogunola AIT Ilorin Alfa Yahaya Road Naira Redesign GAMA Taofeek Sanusi Kwara-SAPZ Project CCB Olaosebikan Paul Odama Abdulrazak Shehu Akorede UITH Afetu Of Alabe Law School Scholarship Bamidele Adegoke Oladimeji Bisi Oyeleke Olatunji Bamgbola Tope Daramola Yemi Osinbajo Omotosho Okiki Ajia-Bako LABTOP IHS Dauda Adeniran Adeshola

